Australia's game against Ghana was somewhat reminiscent of their opener against Germany when they were thrashed 4-0. They, again, had a man sent off, but this time managed to see out a draw, having taken an early lead.
The Socceroos were playing without the suspended Tim Cahill, who had been sent off (harshly) against Germany. They made several changes, including bringing back injury-prone and former Liverpool striker Harry Kewell. He made an immediate impact, getting himself into the area and rattling the Ghanaian defence. Australia got their lead from yet another goalkeeping gaffe, when a free kick was awarded to them in quite a central position. Mark Bresciano managed to get the ball up and over the wall, but it should have been quite comfortable for the Ghanaian keeper - Kingson, who could only parry it straight at an Australian player. Brett Holman, reacted quickly to get the Roos in front.
In fairness, Ghana reacted strongly and launched a number of attacks against Australia. They didn't have to wait long for their chance. It was Ayew who got hold off the ball on the byline and he showed great skill, composure and determination to keep the ball and twist and swerve his way past the Australian defenders. He managed to get the pass through to Mensah who took a shot hitting Kewell on the arm. The experienced Italian referee - Roberto Rossetti was in a great position and promptly awarded Kewell a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity with his arm. Despite Kewell's vehement protests, he didn't really have a leg to stand on as television replays showed the ball clearly in contact with his arm. Kewell, who didn't play in the first game, was off after less than half an hour on the pitch. The Ghanians were awarded a penalty and Asamoah Gyan stepped up to level for his side. Gyan had also scored the penalty in the game against Serbia which had won them the full 3 points.
They even had a chance before half time to double their lead and make full use of the extra man advantage when Boateng took a shot, but it was well saved by Fulham's Mark Schwarzer. However, Ghana were unable to exploit a weakened Australia and get the full 3 points, which would have been of great significance, going into the final game against Germany. They were reduced to shooting from distance as they struggled to find any kind of rhythm or fluency in their game. This gave 10 man Australia the chance to go forward themselves, and possibly find a winner. Wilkshere went close for them as did Chipperfield but with the arrival of Owusu-Abeyie for the African side, chances soon began to go their way. Unfortunately, they were made to rue those chances as the game ended 1-1.
Going into the final group games, Group D remains very much still open. Remember, whoever wins/finishes runner-up here will play against 2 teams from England's group. Australia still hold out a slim chance of qualifying but will be without Kewell. However, they will be boosted by the return of Cahill. Ghana, are in a good position, but must play Germany. There is a question there of how Ghana are going to be able to create chances and be clinical in their finishing against a German side, who when things are going well from them, can be unbeatable at the best of times. Twice now Ghana have scored from the penalty spot, but they need to show far more quality in finishing the chances that they are given, if they are to go any further in this competition.
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